lillywilliam
Registered Users (C)
We know that the importance of men’s health is becoming increasingly recognised. Men are less likely than women to consult their GP and often rely on wives or partners to do so. Some researchers think that men may regard ill health as a sign of weakness and will not willingly admit to being unwell.
Men have higher mortality rates than women and also a shorter life expectancy. In fact men in Northern Ireland can expect to live to 75.2 years of age, while women can expect to live to 80.1 years. We also know that risk taking in men is greater than in women, leading to higher rates of death from road traffic accidents, especially in young men.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle applies to both men and women. Health promotion campaigns are now emphasising men’s health in a new way. Mental health is also an important aspect of men’s health because of the high rate of suicide among young men in Northern Ireland.
Ischaemic heart disease is more common in men than women. The risk of heart disease is increased in those who smoke, are overweight and inactive. Smoking cessation, increased physical activity and reduction in stress are all important lifestyle changes which men are encouraged to make to reduce the risk of heart disease.
According to the 2001 Northern Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey, binge drinking in Northern Ireland is increasing for both men and women. Educating men about safe alcohol use and avoiding binge drinking should lead to a reduction in alcohol related harm, including accidents, domestic strife and long-term addiction. Interestingly, while smoking is more common among men in lower socio-economic groups, binge drinking occurs in all socio-economic groups.
Mental health in men is negatively affected by discrimination, conflict and violence. Many young men, particularly in deprived areas feel socially isolated, depressed and vulnerable. One in four suicide deaths in Northern Ireland occurs in people under the age of 25. Building self-esteem and developing coping skills, particularly in this age group, is vitally important.
Men have higher mortality rates than women and also a shorter life expectancy. In fact men in Northern Ireland can expect to live to 75.2 years of age, while women can expect to live to 80.1 years. We also know that risk taking in men is greater than in women, leading to higher rates of death from road traffic accidents, especially in young men.
The importance of a healthy lifestyle applies to both men and women. Health promotion campaigns are now emphasising men’s health in a new way. Mental health is also an important aspect of men’s health because of the high rate of suicide among young men in Northern Ireland.
Ischaemic heart disease is more common in men than women. The risk of heart disease is increased in those who smoke, are overweight and inactive. Smoking cessation, increased physical activity and reduction in stress are all important lifestyle changes which men are encouraged to make to reduce the risk of heart disease.
According to the 2001 Northern Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey, binge drinking in Northern Ireland is increasing for both men and women. Educating men about safe alcohol use and avoiding binge drinking should lead to a reduction in alcohol related harm, including accidents, domestic strife and long-term addiction. Interestingly, while smoking is more common among men in lower socio-economic groups, binge drinking occurs in all socio-economic groups.
Mental health in men is negatively affected by discrimination, conflict and violence. Many young men, particularly in deprived areas feel socially isolated, depressed and vulnerable. One in four suicide deaths in Northern Ireland occurs in people under the age of 25. Building self-esteem and developing coping skills, particularly in this age group, is vitally important.